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We can’t wait 41 can’t wait


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  • 41 — that’s the number of leading economists — including three Nobel Prize winners — who sent a letter to President Obama and Congress yesterday urging the swift passage of comprehensive health insurance reform to curb skyrocketing health care costs. [Source]
  • 41 —  is also the percentage of adults under the age of 65 who accumulated medical debt, had difficulty paying medical bills, or struggled with both during a recent one year period. [Source]
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TGIF … & cspan.org


UPDATE on the mis-information by Cable,  Republicans and or FoxNews… Yesterday, it was reported that the Parliamentarian stated that President Obama had to sign for the Senate HCR bill first before it could be reconciled or fixed  but …         The   Senate parliamentarian is telling hill staff that GOP aides misinterpreted his opinion on health care + reconciliation process.

The week may be over but …         the talk about reconciliation, HCR and what it will do to Democratic Senators  is just heating up  on the Hill.  Call your Senators and tell them we are not the Clinton voters; We want HCR with a Public Option through Reconciliation.

The President has delayed his trip to Asia in order to see the health care bill through and while the Speaker was quite happy she also decided that she would not put the Public Option on the table first, that they had done this unlike the Senate and when or if they do things could change; well im no journalist but im definitely a pissed off voter. and wonder just what has happened and can this be corrected before the vote happens next weekend.   The Black and Latino Caucuses  have made an attempt to be heard, Stupak and his group of maybe five want to change how Americans deal with abortions and thank goodness someone saw this and has put a halt to it, and last Democratic Blue Dogs have quietly decided to put their future elections ahead of the American people at this moment.

The vote is out on how this whole HCR will play itself out but im leaving room for Blue Dogs to  rear  what some in the  Party think is an ugly head.  It was quite a strange feeling to be let down, very  disappointing to hear the Speaker back off  the Public Option after Senator Durbin stated he would whip Senate Dems; unfortunately, it would be after the House voted yes to the Senate bill; i totally get how Pelosi and her fellow House Dems don’t trust Senate Dems …

Politics before the People   … i get it

All this time those for Health Care Reform in general even without  a Public Option through reconciliation assumed that the Senate would be a problem, that Conserva-dems might vote against HCR for all Americans; though 53% who voted for Barack Obama in 2008  knew exactly what we voted for …  including health care & insurance reform, DADT, immigration with purpose, full throttle regulations for the banks and any or all big banks or AIG type agencies; now we hear at least for HCR the official vote counter stated the votes aren’t there … unbelievable; is this evidence of what’s to come ?

While i still completely support President Obama and the Democratic Party;  voters are beginning to see that any vote is a heavy lift as Speaker Pelosi stated; question is what are the ramifications …

I would say we all need to call the White House  …why not Public Option    202 456 1111

Other news …

Washington State legislators will be in session this weekend, they are about 200mil  apart on a spending and tax plan

The push for Democrats in both chambers begins on Monday with a possible procedural vote after the congressional budget office scores the bill.

A motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended ..the appointment of Bankruptcy Judge vote was postponed

The Senate is not in Session today, next week the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.2847, the legislative vehicle for the HIRE Act (Jobs I). At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill, HR2847, HIRE Act.

and the House schedule is below … and will be updated after the chamber adjourns

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 12, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

H.R. 3650:to establish a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive and integrated strategy to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, and to provide for the development and implementation of comprehensive regional action plans to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

10:37 A.M. –On passage Roll Call 109 – Yea and Nay vote pending.
10:36 A.M. –The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. 10:05 A.M. –DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3650.
10:04 A.M. –Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3650 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of House Report 111-439 shall be considered as adopted. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1168. H. Res. 1168:providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 3650) to establish a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive and integrated strategy to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, and to provide for the development and implementation of comprehensive regional action plans to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

10:03 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. The previous question was ordered without objection.

9:16 A.M. –DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1168

and what’s on CSPAN.org

Sen. Reid Supports Reconciliation, House Preps For Mark Up

In a letter sent to Sen. Republican Ldr. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Maj. Ldr. Harry Reid (D-NV) said he will use reconciliation to pass part of the health care reform bill. Leaders in the House want to mark up a bill early next week, but are waiting for the CBO cost estimate on their planned revisions.

Overhaul Bill Moves Forward Without Bipartisan agreement

Senate Banking Cmte. Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is expected to unveil his legislation for new financial regulations on Monday. Yesterday, Sen. Dodd said the Banking Cmte. will schedule a markup on the bill in Mid-March. Sen. Corker (R-TN) stated on Thursday the health care debate has forced Sen. Dodd to push forward with the legislation and expressed his disappointment with the decision. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) Remarks watch Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) Press Conference

Senate Filibusters debated at think tank forums

Two Washington, D.C. think tanks examine the Congressional usage of filibusters. An AEI Politics Watch panel analyzed how filibusters have affected modern U.S. Senate procedures and mechanics. Also, the Center for American Progress Action Fund is taking a look at how filibusters have become a tactical tool available to the minority.  A filibuster is the term used for an extended debate in the Senate which has the effect of preventing a vote.

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The Washington Post has gone too far …


The Washington Post

The op-ed pages of The Washington Post should be a place for serious debate about the direction of our country.

But by hiring former Bush administration speechwriter Marc Thiessen — the second former Bush speechwriter to whom it has given a regular column — The Washington Post has crossed the line. Thiessen is a serial misinformer. And he shouldn’t be rewarded with the audience or credibility that a regular column provides.

In his latest column, Thiessen attacks lawyers who have represented detainees, warning that these lawyers may hold “radical and dangerous views” and that by giving detainees representation, lawyers are “using the federal courts as a tool to undermine our military’s ability to keep dangerous enemy combatants off the battlefield in a time of war.” These outrageous claims have been refuted by lawyers from across the political spectrum, including former Bush administration attorneys — yet the Post gives Thiessen free rein to engage in baseless smears. He’s even used misleading statements in support of torture.

You stepped up to demand the accountability the Post needs. Nearly 7,000 people have signed our petition to tell The Washington Post to say no to promoting torture. Will you help us spread the message?

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

Thiessen is a proponent of torture, and in his quest to advocate for torture and attack torture opponents, he has resorted to misinformation and smears that have no place in the debate over national security policy.

Thiessen’s willingness to distort the truth and engage in hysterical attacks doesn’t just undermine his own credibility — it undermines the ability of readers to trust The Washington Post as a source of honest analysis.

The Post has offered Thiessen a platform to promote his views, despite the fact that he:

  • …said in his book that lawyers who represented Guantanamo detainees were “aiding and abetting America’s enemies.”
  • … falsely claimed in his most recent book that, since CIA interrogation of terror suspects began after 9-11, there were no attacks on U.S. interests at home or abroad.
  • … falsely claimed in a Post op-ed that Bush oversaw “2,688 days without a terrorist attack on [American] soil,” ignoring the anthrax mail attacks, the El Al shooting in Los Angeles and other domestic terrorist attacks.
  • … misleadingly compared waterboarding of detainees with the training of U.S. troops.
  • … called President Obama’s decision to release Bush administration torture memos “irresponsible” and claimed that “Americans may die as a result.”

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

The editors of The Washington Post need to hear from you that falsehoods and outrageous smears in support of torture are not acceptable. We need more voices to join the nearly 7,000 who have already confronted the Post. Let’s tell them: You’ve gone too far. Stop promoting torture.

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

Thank you for your continued help in holding the Post accountable.

Eric Burns
President,
Media Matters for America

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Republican campaign message … We will repeal comprehensive health care


There are reports of Republican Senators …

who have decided to run 2010 campaigns based on repealing Health Care ; think about that, each and every Republican Senator willing to hurt their own constituents by keeping them from having the health care they need, deserve and probably hated the process but know that when it kicks in;  health care for children will be immediately available … you’re kids can be assured health care until age 26, no discrimination, cannot be dropped for pre-existing conditions … these changes will be implemented as soon as comprehensive health care is approved … who wouldn’t want to give all Americans an opportunity to have the health care they need and desire… remember Scott Brown and Mitt Romney both voted for and have Universal Health Care in Massachusetts … why can’t the rest of us Americans at least have comprehensive health care

Rubio

Coryn

McConnell

Cantor

Boehner

Shelby

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Monday March madness countinues … and CSPAN.org


With two more weeks of  Winter in March, the countdown to NCAA championships continues and the crazy climate(change) of madness in Washington and on the floor of the Senate  begins.  President Obama will be in Philadelphia to talk about what HCR will do for everyone now, though if you read or listen to the Media, we are on the verge of falling off the edge of reality. Cable news and or right wing media continues to pit the President against the Polls; since when does a President govern using political polls, not to mention they are not always neutral.  The misinformation regarding the President continues; that this is his last ditch effort to push, jam, ram and or dupe Senators to get HCR through; contrary to what Republicans and or the Media says; there are more people who want a Public Option than is being reported on any given day. Can i just say that in a time when we need to pass various Bills, i have yet to understand the House or Senate adjourning early or being out of Session; hopefully it is to provide info to fellow Democrats … the vote for HCR is March 18, 2010 act like it.

The fact is gossip, promotion of falsehoods and outright lies about the President’s beliefs and or if he is an American don’t belong on the airwaves in any form; especially in the news. Most people expect truthful news maybe some spin but these days the spin is laced with some truth or maybe it’s the Republican truth accepted by cable;like Wolf Blitzer and his reiteration of comments by conservative and other right-wing stations.

check  out the facts –> our new state-by-state polls show that’s exactly what voters want.

Speaking of March Madness, Republican Senator Paul Broun, from Georgia; stated that all you had to do was read it for yourself; he knows for sure he is a Socialist.  The reporter asked if he thought President Obama was born in the US; obviously a birther, maybe a tea party member, Broun stated he didn’t know; and quite frankly as someone in public office; he should have said yes.  It’s  amazing to me to know that people holding public office; we pay them to do the business of the People and this is what we get. If Barack Obama was white there would be absolutely no question as to who, why or what about his beliefs, race and or religion. It’s offensive that a Public Servant would behave in such a way; but then the list of  Senators behaving like Broun are many in the Republican Party, which should make people outraged       … these are people who only care about a select few, a certain group and not the whole of Americans and should not be in office.

Last, the day had a lot of Senators on both sides of the aisle acting well, different; it is or could be their defining moment as HCR will get passed and as a democrat it is with a light heart that i propose we put progressives in the place of every Stupak, Massa and Kucinich , Politicians who are willing and able bodied members of the Democratic party.  If you didn’t know any better,  Kucinich seemed to be giving a campaign speech for 2012, yet, sam klein said he is the only one out there willing to vote no based on his opinion that the bill has no base and yes the President knows this … well, now your constituents know that you are willing to put your own truth before the people you represent and let’s see how that plays out for you Senator Kucinich.

other News …


CNN’s Wolf Blitzer has apologized for using chyron text that seemed to question the loyalties of the Department of Justice.  On Thursday, CNN broadcast text that read “HAPPENING NOW, DEPARTMENT OF JIHAD?” and “Are Justice Department Lawyers Disloyal?” as part of its coverage of an ad by Liz Cheney that suggests that because the DOJ hired lawyers who have represented accused terrorists, the department is sympathetic to terrorists.  On Friday, Blitzer apologized for the graphic and called DOJ lawyers “patriotic.”

Tea Party Challenger To Harry Reid Owes More Than $200,000 in Back Taxes

The President is expected to announce his choice, retired Gen. Robert Harding, on Monday, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement is not yet public.

watch Sec. Napolitano TSA Announcement

Washington State news of temporary increase in sales taxes on services and bottled water including a 1dollar per pack tax on cigarettes

Abusive Payday Lenders
The mob offers better rates and easier terms than payday lenders. Through short-term loans with interest rates up to 900 percent, these lenders strip billions of dollars from poor and minority communities every year. Poverty in America blogger Carl Chancellor writes that in 29 states, there are more payday loan storefronts than McDonald’s restaurants. It’s time to tell lawmakers to put a stop to the financial kneecapping of our most vulnerable citizens via these lenders. (Read more)

Apple Acknowledges Child Labor
This week, Apple admitted that it had identified at least 11 children working in overseas factories that produce iPods, iPhones, and its computers. In addition to the child labor, illegal and exploitative working conditions for adults were also documented. Surprisingly, Apple made these findings public themselves. But End Human Trafficking blogger Amanda Kloer asks, is the company doing enough to prevent the exploitation of children and workers in their factories from happening again? (Read More)

Huffington Post: Tom Delay: People Are Unemployed Because They Want To Be

on cspan today  …

The House is not in session today but resumes at 12:30pmET Tuesday and will begin work on 14 Bills and Resolutions from Wednesday-Friday they will work on Aid for Haiti and Chile as well as Judicial Impeachment, any votes will happen later in the day.

Members of The Senate gave speeches on various issues like HR4213, abortion, reconciliation, space, the Iraqi war and more; votes are scheduled to limit debate on amendments on Tuesday at 2:30pmET, this includes several amendments that are pending that includes programs that would be extended through December 31.  Tax, Unemployment and Highway …  tune in Tuesday for more fire works … on both sides of the aisle.

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President Obama Stumps for Health Care in Philadelphia

With the White House asking Congress to pass health care legislation soon, President Obama is taking his message to Philadelphia. Last week he called on the House and Senate to schedule votes in the next few weeks. Saturday during his Weekly Address he said, “I know it has been a long and hard road to this point, and we are not finished with our journey just yet.”

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Pres. Obama's Weekly Address In his weekly address, President Obama says Congress must act now to enact legislation and urges lawmakers to schedule a vote on the Democratic plan.

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

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EPA Administrator Discusses 2010 Priorities

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will speak at a luncheon on strides made in 2009 and the agency’s priorities for 2010. She is expected to discuss action on climate change, America’s waters and EPA’s efforts to expand the conversation on environmentalism.
Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman is a guest on C‑SPAN’s Washington Journal at 8:30am ET    watch WJ: Christine Todd Whitman at 8:30am ET
read WP: Lawmakers move to restrain EPA

watch NPC: From Earlier

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY focus of economic conference

The Nat’l Assoc. For Business Economics (NABE) meets today to hold its annual economic policy conference. First, FDIC Chair Sheila Bair participates in a panel session on financial regulatory reform. Also, Election prognosticator Charlie Cook will join a panel analyzing the 2010 mid-term elections and later Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf will speak on how to tackle the deficit.